Grimsby Borough up for cup after league win at Selby Town

RETURNING striker Andy Taylor was on target as Grimsby Borough got back to winning ways ahead of their League Cup last-16 clash tonight.

Taylor netted the winner in a 2-1 victory for the Wilderness Boys at struggling Selby Town on Saturday in the Baris Northern Counties East League Division One.

Borough, on the back of their first win in three outings, host NCEL Premier Division side Armthorpe Welfare tonight in a cup clash at Bradley Community Stadium (kick-off 7.45pm).

Joint boss Nigel Fanthorpe said the tie will be a "big test" before his charges return to league duty on Saturday, with a home game against Hemsworth Miners Welfare.

Borough knew Selby, currently bottom of the table, would be fighting for their lives – and, on a rain-soaked muddy pitch, they worked hard to bounce back from their midweek 1-0 defeat at Albion Sports in Bradford with a win.

Taylor, Luke Fanthorpe and Matty Hall returned to the squad, and there was a debut for James Stewart in goal.

Borough took the lead on 15 minutes. Rick Forrest played the ball to Fanthorpe, who held off a Selby full-back and found Taylor. He in turn then supplied the overlapping Forrest and his cross was headed home at the far post by Steve Davis.

The goal settled Borough, although Daniel Rodriguez was a threat down the right for the hosts.

The visitors looked dangerous on the break. Taylor was busy, and Fanthorpe and James Petronzio tested their opposing full-backs.

Stewart pulled off an important save low down to his right as Selby stepped up their game – before Borough doubled their advantage on 43 minutes.

Taylor finished off a good move by firing across the Selby keeper into the corner.

As the pitch got heavier, Selby battled back in the second half but most of their attacks were broken up on the edge of the box.

The hosts had a lifeline, though, when, Josh O'Neill bundled the ball over the line.

Borough kept their composure in the final ten minutes and could afford a penalty miss in the 90th minute from Taylor. After Fanthorpe was fouled, Taylor's free kick beat the goalkeeper but clipped the outside of the post.

Admission for tonight's cup game against Armthorpe at Bradley is £4 adults, £2 concessions, £1 kids, jobseekers and national servicemen.